An investment in a new roof is a major home improvement project often requiring a significant investment in your home. The amount of investment will vary depending on the size of the property, type of roof installed and the condition of the roof deck, which can sometimes need some sort of minor repair. With the material and installation costs rising, many property owners are opting for longer-term solutions when it comes to their roof.
The Demand for Metal Roofing Rises
Traditionally, metal roof materials—galvanized or corrugated steel—were used primarily for warehouses, barns and storage or out buildings. Homeowners shied away from installing the material on their homes due to its limited style, color and the fact they did not want their home to project the image of a barn. Today, metal roofing is available in a wide variety of styles, types and colors that fit most any architectural style.
The improved selection as well as its increased durability—when compared to asphalt or wood—has lead to a significant increase in its popularity among homeowners wanting to get more bang—longer life span—out of their bucks.
Metal’s roofing market share has tripled from 4 to 12-percent in the past 15-years.
Why Homeowners are choosing Metal Roofing
While asphalt shingles, both 3- tab and architectural are still king and maintain a substantial lead over other types of roofing products used in the residential roofing industry, many homeowners have become frustrated with their lack of longevity and durability. Today’s homeowners are more informed about building products and realize spending more money now on a metal roof represents a huge savings in the long run and delays the inconveniences associated with new roof installation.
Types of Metal Roofs
A variety of metal roof products are available today in a wide array of colors and finishes. The durable roofing products are designed to provide long-lasting protection that fits most any architectural style.
Metal Shingle/Slate—is designed to simulate the authentic look of uniform slate tiles.
Metal Shake—provides the authentic look of traditional wooden shake shingles in a wide variety of color choices.
Metal Tile—these roofs reflect the prestige and strength of traditional slate, concrete or clay roof tiles without the additional weight.
Natural Metals—are self-healing materials designed to develop its own protective layer or patina as the product ages and are ideal for historic districts when a seamless transition between structures is required. Copper is one example.
Vertical Metal Panels—or standing seam roofing panels were traditionally used on commercial buildings. Today however, due to a wide variety of styles and virtually any color combination, the panels have become practical as well as economical for residential use.
While the metal roofing products mentioned above are designed to mimic other types of roofing materials, you will benefit from a far superior life expectancy over asphalt or wood roofing products. These attractive roofing panels are most often manufactured using steel that is coated with a protective metallic and paint finish; however, they are also available in aluminum or copper.
Cost of Metal Roofing
While metal roofing will carry a higher price tag than traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, you should keep in mind the increased life span of the metal roofing product when deciding if the investment is right for you. Below you will find the breakdown of metal roofing costs as well as asphalt shingle-roofing costs that can help you compare the two.
Metal Roofing Costs
Interlocking steel shingles costs vary but range between $3 and $7.50 per square foot including labor and materials.
Interlocking corrosion resistant sheets—averages between $7 and $10 per square foot for basic installation including both labor and materials. Structures with additional hips, valleys and other architectural features may demand a price of between $12 and $15 per square foot including labor and materials.
Interlocking Aluminum Shingles—average between $7 and $9 per square foot for labor and materials.
Aluminum Standing Seam Panels—average between $9 and $11 per square foot for both labor and materials.
Copper—is the most expensive of the metal roofing products mentioned here. With costs that range between $15 and $18 per square foot for labor and materials, many homeowners choose copper as a means to enhance the architectural features of their home such as dormer rooftops.
Asphalt Roofing Costs
Asphalt Shingles—average between $1 and $4 per square foot including labor, material and disposal.
The costs to purchase and install metal roofing can vary depending on the type and style of the roofing as well as the size and difficulty of the roofing project. Since metal roofing is 100% recyclable, it is considered a green building product that reduces the adverse impacts construction and remodeling have on our environment.
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